Method and apparatus for bulk packaging of liquiform products



y 16, 1961 F. A. BELLATO 2,984,057

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PACKAGING 0F LIQUIF'ORM PRODUCTS FiledJuly 29, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 0 .s .T Y m4 E A m M 0 k b 19 .-l U a RE1..

May 16, 1961 F A BELLATO 2,984,057

METHOD AND AP PAR ATUS FOR BULK PACKAGING OF LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS FiledJuly 29, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

FRANK /4. BELLA 7-0 33 BY ATTORNEYS May 16, 1961 F. A. BELLATO 2,984,057

' METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PACKAGING 0F LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS FlledJuly 29, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 3a 3 L b H I O 3.9 L Q" o I E I z 4/ 43\X\\\\ l (2/ FRANK A. 55444 +0 ATTO R N EYS May 16, 1961 F. A. BELLATO2,984,057

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PAGKAGING 0F LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS Filed July29, 1958 7 Sheets-$heet 4 INNTOR. FRANK /4. 5LLA T0 ATTO RN EYS May 16',1961 F. A. BELLATO 2,984,057

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PACKAGING OF LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS Filed July29, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 2/ INVENTOR.

FvA/v/r 4. 5541.470

5. .7. BY T 1 M W ATTORNEY$ 1961 F. A. BELLATO 2,984,057

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PACKAGING 0F LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS Filed July29, 1958 7 Sheets-Shet e zo'c/r ($323? C74/NDER5 INVENTOR.

Tia-E. FRANK A. BELL/1T0 ATTORNEYS May 16, 1961 Filed July 29, 1958STEAM U 2/ U VACUUM F. METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PACKAGING A BELLATO2,984,057

OF LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 VACUUM W Z4 2 2/ 2/ U PRODUCTVACUUM E l 3; F l

VACUUM 2/ Al VENT Tiq.5.

' INVENTOR.

FRANK A. 524 44 T0 ATTORNEYS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BULK PACKAG- INGOF LIQUIFORM PRODUCTS Frank A. Bellato, Stockton, Califi, assignor toRheem Manufacturing Company, Richmond, Calif, a corporation ofCalifornia Filed July 29, 1958, Ser. No. 751,604

29 Claims. (CI. 53-37) This invention relates to a method and apparatusdesigned for sterilizing large containers such as metal drums, andfilling same with liquiform food products or the like in a manner toafford a completely sterile package. Where large quantities of theproduct are required, such as for reprocessing, the economies attendantto the packaging, shipping, storing and use of a large single containerin contrast to a number of smaller containers, are apparent.

However, the bulk packaging of contaminable liquiform products in largecontainers presents a number of problems. This is particularly true inthe case of food products. Relatively little difficulty is experiencedin the sterile packaging of such products in small containers, e.g. upto No. size cans. This is because the product may be introduced into thecan at a can and product sterilizing temperature and the entire packagequickly cooled after the can has been sealed. Or sterilization of thecan and product can be obtained by subjecting the same to a subsequentapplication of external heat again followed by rapid cooling. Should theforegoing processes be used in connection with the packaging of theproduct in large containers, such as in the order of 55 gallon drums,the excessive resident heat to which the product is subjected because ofthe difficulty in cooling a large and inaccesible mass, results indeterioration of the quality and keeping capacity or shelf life of theproduct.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a systemfor sterile packing of liquiform products into containers of relativelylarge size, e.g. 55 gallon capacity, while insuring absolute sterilityof both product and container, and without imparting excessivetemperatures to the product during the filling operation which wouldresult in undesirable product heat experience.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatusfor bulk aseptic packaging in which the container to be filled issterilized, filled with a sterile product, and sealed, while remainingin a fixed position, thereby permitting use of a sterilizing chamber ofminimum size and eliminating the need for a container conveyor systemfor moving such containers for each of the respective operations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for sterilizinga metal drum within a closed system which will insure the subjection ofall surfaces of the drum to saturated steam and therefore permitcomplete drum sterilization with a minimum temperature and timerequirements.

A further object of this invention is to provide a process as abovedescribed in which there is a replacement of air from within the drumbysaturated steam at sufficiently high temperature to kill harmfulbacteria, such air replacement insuring the heating of all portions ofthe metal, including small crevices, etc. with such wet steam so thatthere will be no danger of air acting as an undesirable static barrierbetween the steam and metal.

nited States atent Another object of the invention is to provide asterilizing system as above explained, in which the heated metal drum iscooled within the sterilizing chamber prior to the introduction ofproduct thereinto, so that the relatively cool product will not bedeleteriously affected by contact with hot metal surfaces.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system of thecharacter described in which sufiicient wet steam is admitted to fullyand completely sterilize the drum, yet which eliminates the presence ofexcess steam condensate from the drum and thus avoid undue productdilution, while retaining sufiicient condensate to cool the drum wallsand serve as a lubricant between such walls and the subsequentlyintroduced product.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, with the foregoing Will be set forth in the following descriptionof the preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in thedrawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. It is to beunderstood, however, that variations in the showing made by the saiddrawings and description may be adopted within the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to said drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the container sterilizing andproduct filling system of the present invention with a drum operativelypositioned therein.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional plan view taken substantially in the planeindicated by line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan View on an enlarged scale of the drum supportingplatform.

Figure 4 is an elevational view of the structure shown in Figure 3 withportions of the structure broken away.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view, on an enlarged scale, andillustrating the product fill line, steam line, and swing spouttherefor.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the weight lift cylinder steamjacket, taken substantially in the plane indicated by line 6-6 ofFigure 1. V

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale takensubstantially in the plane indicated by line 77 of Figure 2 of the belllock mechanism.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the piping system used in connectionwith the actuation of the various mechanisms.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of the various steps of thesterilizing and filling process.

The process and apparatus in the present form of the invention isparticularly adapted for sterilizing the drums and for filling same witha liquiform product. However, as will be apparent from the followingdescription, the system could also be utilized for the packaging ofother fio'wable products, such as granular material or the like, and, infact, many of the steps incident to sterilizing and filling could beapplied to a system wherein substantially solid objects are beingpackaged.

In the drawings, the apparatus with which the process of the presentinvention may be practiced, is shown of a design adapted for handling asingle drum at a time, and in the particular form illustrated comprisesa relatively fixed base 21 over which is superimposed a bell jar or dome22 arranged in one position to define with the base member a sterilizingand filling chamber 23'. The bell 22 in the present embodiment ismounted to move vertically from the chamber-defining position shown insolid lines in Figure l to an upper open position in which the bottomthereof will be disposed at line A-A of said figure. In the latterposition, the container, such as a drum 24 may be inserted on or removedfrom the base. It will be apparent that in place of the verticallyreciprocating bell, the chamber defining closure could be fixed inposition with suitably sealed access openings provided to permit ingressand egress of the drums.

The bell is supported for movement on vertical posts 26 secured to andextending upwardly from the base, and engaged by rollers 27 carried bythe bell. Raising and lowering of the bell may be effected in anysuitable manner, and as here shown, such movement is accomplishedthrough a double acting hydraulic cylinder 29 mounted on a cross bar 31at the top of the posts and operatively attached to the bell by a pistonrod 32 extending from and actuated by the cylinder. As will be readilyapparent, when the bell is raised to its upper position, such as byretraction of rod 32, a vertical space exists between the bottom of thejar and the base to permit the aforementioned drum loading and unloadingoperations with the drum in a vertical position. As a means offacilitating the ready insertion of the drum under the raised jar, aswell as the withdrawal thereof after the sterilizing and fillingoperation, there is preferably supported on the base 21 a multi-sectionroller conveyor 33, extending diametrically of the chamber and havingrails 34 at the ends of the rollers to guide the drum in its movement.Conveyor 33, as here illustrated, is provided with end sections and anintermediate section 36 within the confines of the bell and on which thedrum is to be supported when within the chamber. It will be noted thatthe breaks between the respective sections occurs at the peripheralportions of the bell, so that the latter may be sealed against the base21 without interference from the conveyor. Between the rollers 35 ofsection 36 and extending parallel to the rollers, are bars 37 forming apart of a vertically displaceable platform 38 for the support of thedrum during the filling operation. As shown in Figures 3 and 4 of thedrawings, the platform is slidably mounted on posts 39 extendingupwardly from the base 21. The platform is normally urged to a positionin which the upper surface of the bars 37 are above the upper surface ofthe rollers 35, through the medium of a lever 41 having one arm 42pivotally connected to the platform, and its other arm 43 surmounted byone or more weights 44, the relationship of the lever arm lengths to theweights being such that the platform will be depressed when the drum isfilled. In the latter position of the platform, the drum will rest uponthe rollers 35 so that the drum may be readily moved to the rollers ofeither end section of the conveyor.

Desirably, suitable centering means are provided to place the drum inoperative position when the drum is conveyed to the platform 38. Suchmeans, as here shown, comprise pairs of rollers 48 mounted on the baseand arranged to resiliently engage opposite sides of the drum when thelatter is positioned on the platform. Each pair is carried on arms 49pivoted to a standard 51 and normally urged inwardly by means of springs52. As will be clear, the rollers will be forced outwardly against thepressure of said springs as the drum is moved into and out of positionover the conveyor section 36, and will resiliently retain the drum in acentered position.

The particular drum, in connection with which the method and apparatusis herein described, is of generally conventional design as to size andform, and access to the interior of the drum for sterilization andfilling is by way of an opening 56 provided in the head 57. The opening56 is relatively restricted to facilitate the subsequent closurethereof, and is approximately 4 inches in diameter, while the diameterof a 55 gallon drum is in the neighborhood of 22 inches. Although theopening is shown as in the drum head and with the drum in an uprightposition, it will be also understood that the process can be carried outwith an opening in a side wall and the drum lying in a horizontalposition. Desirably, the interior of the drum is coated or otherwiseprovided with a protective layer, such as tinplate.

The process of the present invention is arranged to be carried out afterthe drum has been centered on the platform 38 and the bell lowered todefine with the base 21 the chamber 23. The chamber is arranged to behermetically sealed in the performance of the various steps of theprocess, and in this connection means are provided for locking the bellto the base and effectively sealing the joint therebetween. As best seenin Figure 7, the locking means consists of a plurality of locking dogs61 mounted on the base and designed to be moved radially inwardly toengage inclined bosses 62 provided on a peripheral flange 63 at thelower edge of the bell. Preferably, the locking dogs are moved inwardlyand outwardly through means of hydraulic cylinders 64. As a seal for thejoint between the bell and base, there is provided at the bottom of theflange 63 a circumferential groove 66 facing the base and arranged tocommunicate with inlet openings 67 therein and which are connected to asuitable source of steam under pressure, the steam temperature servingto sterilize any atmospheric air which might pass between the bell andbase. Initiation of the process involves admission of steam to theaforesaid seal as well as to steam passages provided at other jointssuch as sight glasses, points of pipe entry, access doors and the like.

In accordance with the present invention, for the purpose of effectingcomplete sterilization of the drum at the lowest possible temperature,means are provided for evacuating all of the air from the drum andchamber and replacing same completely with saturated steam underpressure. This procedure produces a relative humidity atmosphere whichinsures the most rapid and eflicient destruction of bacteria. Thus,after the drum 24 has been positioned beneath the open bell and the belllowered as diagrammatically represented at A and B of Figure 9,saturated steam under pressure is injected into the drum andsimultaneously the chamber is placed in flow communication with a vacuumsource, as shown at C. In the apparatus shown, the steam is arranged tobe injected directly into the drum, and this is done by means of anozzle 71 connected to a steam line 72 in communication with a suitablesource of saturated steam, the line 72 extending upwardly through thebase 21. A source of vacuum, such as a steam ejector (not shown)communicates with the chamber through a pipe 73 whose upper end issubstantially flush with the base, as shown in Figure 1. Suitable valvesfor controlling the flow of the steam and the vacuum are provided. Theamount of steam admitted to the drum and chamber relative to the airevacuation rate is such that the pressure in the chamber will remain ator rise slightly above atmospheric pressure. This condition is allowedto continue for approximately one minute at the end of which the airwill have been fully replaced by the saturated steam.

It will be evident that so long as the pressure in the chamber remainssubstantially at atmospheric, the temperature of the drum will not beelevated over a maximum of approximately 212 F. This temperature is, formost food products, too low to effect proper drum sterilization.Accordingly, as the next primary step in the process, and as indicatedat D, the vacuum is cut off, and the flow of saturated steam continued.For products such as tomato paste, effective drum sterilization occursat about 260 F. to 270 F. in a 100% relative humidity atmosphere.Therefore, for such products, the steam is supplied at a pressure ofabout 42 p.s.i. absolute, which corresponds to a temperature of about270 F. In this manner, with the vacuum cut oflI', the pressure in thechamber will rapidly build up to substantially that of the enteringsteam and the temperature of the drum walls increased to substantiallythe steam temperature. The admission of steam as described is continuedfor a period of about 3 minutes, on the termination of which the drumwill be rendered completely sterile and ready for the filling operation.

As will be understood, during the above described sterilizing operation,due to the relatively initial low temperature of the bell and the drum,substantial quantities of condensate will be formed upon contact of thesteam with the metal surfaces. As to the condensate without the drum,the same will be withdrawn through the base by draining into the vacuumline 73. As a means of removing a portion of the condensate collected inthe drum, a vacuum to the extent of about 12 psi. absolute is set up inthe chamber and at this negative pressure, flashing of the major portionof the condensate will take place at approximately 190 F., but a desiredquantity will remain. This remaining condensate will naturally be on thedrum bottom, but as product is introduced in the drum, the condensatewill be forced upwardly along the drum walls and serves the dualfunction of cooling the walls and of acting as a lubricant to preventundesirable sticking of the product to the walls. It should be notedthat the application of the vacuum also has the desirable effect ofreducing the temperature of the drum prior to the filling operation.

With the foregoing conditions present, i.e., the chamber under a vacuumof about 12 psi. absolute, the atmosphere being completely saturated,and all surfaces of the drum being sterile, the drum, as indicated at Fin Figure 9 is ready for the product. As will be understood, theproduct, when ready for introduction to the drum, is sterile andrelatively cool, and the cooling may be accomplished in any conventionalmanner, such as by running a hot sterile product through a flash coolerbefore introducing the product in the drum. In the case of tomato paste,the product may be conveniently cooled to a temperature of about 90 F.in the cooler, and with the apparatus as illustrated herein, the productis pumped into the drum through a conduit 81 having a discharge spout 82at one end in generally parallel adjacent relationship to the steamnozzle 71 and adapted to enter the drum opening 56.

As illustrated, the product spout 82 is in the form of a gooseneck andis pivotally joined by means of a swivel connection 83 to the conduit 81for movement in a generally vertical plane so that the discharge end ofthe spout can be moved into and out of the drum opening 56. Movement ofthe spout is arranged to be effected by means of a cylinder 84 whosepiston rod 86 is pivotally mounted so as to permit the proper movementof the connected parts. For convenience, the steam line nozzle 71 isconnected similarly to the spout 82 and attached thereto forsimultaneous movement therewith.

With the spout extended into the drum opening, the product is caused toflow through the conduit 81 and into the drum. A motor operated pump 88operatively interposed between the cooler and spout 82 is used toprovide for the desired product flow, the flow of the product into thedrum continues until at a predetermined setting, the weight of the drumand its contents causes the platform 38 to descend, thereby actuating amercury switch 91 or the like which serves to deenergize the pump motorand thereby stop the flow of product.

With the filling operation thus completed, the cylinder 84 is operatedto raise the spout unit out of the drum opening 56 to a position such asindicated in dot-dash lines in Figure l.

The filled drum is now ready to be closed and this is done by applying acap 93 over the drum opening as shown at G and H of Figure 9. Thecapping means does not form a part of the present invention; however, ingeneral, the same includes a capping mechanism 94 mounted in the chamberupon a standard 96. As illustrated, the capping mechanism is arranged tomove transversely to and from a position over the opening and likewiseis movable vertically over the opening in effecting the cappingoperation. The cap 93 is initially applied to the capping mechanismwhile the bell was in its raised position, and thus is subjected toproper sterilization during sterilization of the drum.

It Will be understood that the capping operation takes place while thevacuum is present in the chamber, and thus the drum will be sealed undervacuum conditions and a resultant sub-atmospheric pressure attainedwithin the drum. It is important to note that since the prod not isintroduced into the drum while the former is relatively cool, theproduct will be heated only adjacent the interior surface of the drum,such heat being readily dissipated through the drum walls withoutsubjecting the product to deleterious heat residence.

After the capping is completed, the capping mechanism is moved from itsoperative position over the drum, the steam supply to various steamseals is cut off, and an atmospheric vent connection 96, convenientlyassociated with vacuum line 73, is opened as shown at H in Figure 9, soas to restore the pressure in the chamber to atmospheric. Thereupon, thebell is raised as shown at I, and the filled and capped drum is movedover the conveyor from under the bell. The apparatus is then ready foroperation on a succeeding drum.

With the foregoing discussion of the process of the present invention,some further constructional details of the apparatus may now beconsidered. By way of example, in connection with the provision of aproperly sealed chamber, Figure 5 of the drawings indicates a manner inwhich various lines, such as the product feed line 81 and the primarysteam line 72 may enter the chamber through base 21 and insure a properseal therebetween. As therein illustrated, the lines may be providedwith flanges 101 secured to the base, with grooves 102 in the lowersurfaces of the flanges, similar to the steam seal groove 66 of the bellflange. Steam may be introduced to such grooves through ports 103 foreffecting the steam seal. Also, if desired, the lines may be providedwith jackets 104 extending upwardly from the flanges 101.

As previously explained, when the drum has been filled to apredetermined weight, means are provided for automatically cutting offfurther product flow. In this connection, in .the illustrated embodimentof this feature, the end of lever arm 43 is spaced from its fulcrum orpivot 106 approximately six times as far as the end of the other leverarm 42. Thus, for example, if it was desired to cut off product flowwhen the gross weight of the drum and its contents reached 600 pounds,the weights 44 would total 10 0 pounds. Also, to provide a controllablelock for the moving platform, a rod 107 extends through the weights andis pivotally attached to lever arm 43 with the other end of the rodentering a cylinder 108, best seen in Figure 6 of the drawings. Sincethe construtional details of the other hydraulic cylinders in thechamber are substantially the same, only the weight cylinder is shown inany detail. As shown, the cylinder 108 is contained within a jacket 109with suitable hydraulic lines 111 and 112' communicating with the endsof the cylinders and controlling movement of rod 107. The lines eachcommunicate with short conduits 111a and 112a through suitable sealedflanges 1 13. It will be understood that in place of the particularweighing mechanism shown in the drawings, other scale devices could beincorporated without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Suitable means are provided for controlling movement of the variousportions of the unit, and as hereinabove explained, substantially allmovement is effected through hydraulic cylinders capable of two wayactiong Preferably, all switch controls are disposed on a commoninstrument panel, not shown, so that an operator may cause the varioussteps to be performed. In Figure 8, there is diagrammaticallyrepresented the hydraulic system incorporated in the previouslydiscussed apparatus. In commencing a cycle of operation, the operatorwill press a button on the panel, causing energization of a motor 121which drives a hydraulic pump 122. The bell raising cylinder 29 isconnected to the pump 122 through a line including a needle valve 123, adouble acting solenoid valve 124, a check valve 126, and a flow controlvalve 127. Thus, by energizing the solenoid by depressing a properswitch, the piston rod will be raised, and by reversing the solenoidaction, the bell may gravitally descend at a controlled rate. As thebell descends a limit switch, not shown, is actuated opening the steamlines 67 and 103 through suitable solenoid controlled valves, also notshown. Next, the operator effects locking of the bell by energizing adouble acting solenoid valve 131 causing extension of piston rods 132 ofthe cylinders 64. Now, the filling spout 82, together with the steamnozzle 71, is lowered through the drum opening 56 by energizing a doubleacting solenoid valve 133 in communicating with spout cylinder 84 andextending the rod 86 thereof. Additional switches are also provided foropening solenoid actuated valves in the main steam line 72, and thevacuum line 73. After the sterilization and vacuum induction iseffected, another switch starts the product feed pump, with the weightcontrol cylinder likewise controlled by a double acting solenoid valve136. After filling, the spout is swung upwardly, and the closing tool 94swung into position and lowered through action of cylinders 1-37 and 138each controlled by solenoid valves 141.

Obviously, reverse action of the foregoing is accomplished throughreverse solenoid valve energization. The hydraulic system may alsoinclude a pressure switch 142, a reducing valve 143, a solenoid operatedrelief valve 144, and a needle valve 146 communicating with a hydraulicgauge on the instrument panel.

From the foregoing description, it is believed that the operation andconstruction will be understood, and that since most controls, switchesand the like are well known in the art, that no detailed showing orexplanation is deemed necessary.

What is claimed is:

1. The process of sterilizing a metal container having an openingtherein and in preparation for receiving a pre-sterilized producttherein, which includes placing the container in a substantially sealedchamber, evacuating air from the chamber and substantiallysimultaneously introducing steam into said chamber, the ratio betweenair evacuation and steam introduction being such that pressure increasesto above atmospheric pressure within said chamber and the interiorsurface of said container will be subjected to a steam temperature inexcess of 212 F.

2. A method of sterilizing a metal container having an opening therein,which comprises positioning said container within a substantially sealedchamber, substantially simultaneously connecting said chamber to avacuum source and introducing saturated steam into said containeropening to an extent that and until a substantially 100% steamatmosphere under pressure is established within said container, and thensealing said chamber from said vacuum source while continuing theinjection of such saturated steam under greater than atmosphericpressure.

3. The method as set forth in claim 2 in which steam condensate iscollected in said container, and as a subsequent step, a sub-atmosphericpressure is created in said chamber and in said container whereby aportion of said steam condensate will be boiled ofi at a temperaturesubstantially lower than that of the original entering steam.

4. A process of sterilizing a metal container having an opening thereinwhich includes positioning said drum within a chamber, evacuating airfrom the chamber and substantially simultaneously injecting saturatedsteam under pressure into said container, maintaining a positivepressure within said chamber and said container with the internalpressure of said container exceeding that of the chamber whereby airwill be swept out of the container, continuing injection of saturatedsteam into said container until all surface portions of the latter arecontacted by such steam and raised to a predetermined sterilizingtemperature, and inducing a vacuum in said chamber.

5. The process claimed in claim 4 further characterized by said vacuumbeing in the neighborhood of about 5 to 15 p.s.i. absolute, and saidsteam injection pressure being in the general range of about 30 to 45p.s.i. absolute.

6. A method of sterilizing metal drums and the like having an openingtherein which comprises placing said drum in position within a chamber,sealing said chamber from the surrounding atmosphere, simultaneouslysubjecting said drum to saturated steam under pressure while evacuatingair from the chamber to an extent sufficient to create a substantiallywater vapor atmosphere thruout said drum and at a pressure greater thanthat in the chamber, and then cooling the drum and removing excess steamcondensate therefrom while the drum remains in position within saidsealed chamber.

7. The process of bulk packaging liquiform products in metal containerswhich includes the steps of placing in a chamber a metal containerprovided with an opening, sealing said chamber from the atmosphere,substantially simultaneously evacuating air from the chamber andinjecting saturated steam into said container and creating andmaintaining a substantially 100% water vapor pressurized atmospheretherein, imparting a vacuum to said chamber to create a substantially100% water vapor sub-atmospheric pressure therein, introducing arelatively cool sterile liquiform product into said container, andplacing a closure over said opening after said container is filled andwhile said chamber remains in said 100% water vapor sub-atmosphericcondition.

8. The process as set forth in claim 7 in which air evacuation is haltedand saturated steam injection is continued prior to imparting the vacuumto said chamber, and in which at substantially all times during thecontainer sterilization operation a pressure difierential is createdbetween the interior of said container and said chamber.

9. The process of sterilizing and filling a metal container having arestricted filler opening in a wall thereof which comprises the steps ofplacing said container in a substantially sealed chamber with theopening uppermost and with the container in a fixed position in thechamber, substantially simultaneously injecting saturated steam underpressure directly into said container through said opening andevacuating air from the chamber in such proportions and to an extentthat a substantially 100% water vapor atmosphere under pressure iscreated within said container, sealing said chamber against further airevacuation while continuing said steam injection, creating a vacuum insaid chamber, introducing a liquiform product into said containerthrough said opening together, maintaining said vacuum and placing aclosure in said opening and then releasing said vacuum, venting saidchamber to the atmosphere, and removing the closed container from thechamber.

10. The process as set forth in claim 9 in which said injected steam isat a pressure of substantially at least 25 p.s.i. absolute, and in whichsaid vacuum is maintained at no more than about 10 p.s.i. absolute.

11. The process of sterilizing and filling a metal container having afilling opening therein which comprises placing the container in asubstantially sealed chamber, injecting saturated steam under pressureinto said container and substantially simultaneously evacuating air fromsaid chamber, halting said air evacuation while continuing said steaminjection to create a pressurized dominant steam atmosphere in saidcontainer, said steam in striking said container creating steamcondensate in said container, and then introducing product in saidcontainer whereby the condensate therein will rise upwardly as thecontainer is filled and serve to prevent adhesion of the product alongthe container walls.

12. Apparatus for filling a container having a filler opening with apourable product, including a housing defining a substantially sealedchamber, a container-supporting platform within said chamber, a sourceof pressurized saturated steam and a vacuum source both operativelyconnected to said chamber, a product feed line extending into saidchamber and having a discharge spout, means operable for moving saidspout between a first inoperative position remote from a containerfiller opening and a second operative position adjacent such opening, aclosure applying member within said chamber, and means operable forselectively moving said member over the filler opening and remotetherefrom.

13. Apparatus of the character described comprising an enclosuredefining a chamber adapted to receive a container to be filled, meanssealing said chamber, a sterile product filler line extending into saidchamber and including a discharge end portion, means selectively movingsaid end portion between an operative filling position adapted tooverlie a container filling opening and a remotely positionedinoperative position, a steam conduit extending into said chamber andhaving a nozzle positioned adjacent said discharge end portion of saidfiller line when the latter is in its filling position, and meansselectively moving said nozzle to a remote position.

14. Container filling apparatus including means defining a chamberadapted to receive a container, container positioning means within saidchamber whereby a container may be fixedly positioned in said chamberwith a filling opening of the container in a substantially fixedlocation, a product line extending into said chamber and having adischarge nozzle, and means operable for moving said discharge nozzlerelative to said positioning means whereby said nozzle may beselectively aligned with and spaced from the container filling opening.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 including a closure holding andapplying member mounted in said chamber, and means operable for movingsaid member relative to said positioning means whereby said member maybe selectively positioned over the container filling opening and spacedtherefrom.

16. Apparatus of the character described comprising an enclosuredefining a container-receiving chamber, means within said chamberadapted to engage a container and secure the same against movement inthe chamber, a product feed line entering said chamber and including aproduct discharge spout, means for moving said spout relative to saidcontainer engaging means whereby said spout may selectively enter and bewithdrawn from a filler opening in a container, and a steam lineentering said chamber and having a discharge nozzle operativelyconnected to said spout for movement therewith into and out of acontainer filling opening.

17. Container sterilizing and filling apparatus comprising meansdefining a substantially sealed chamber adapted to receive a container,a platform adjacent the bottom of said chamber for supporting acontainer in relatively fixed position in the chamber, a steam line anda product feed line each extending into said chamber and each having adischarge port, means operable from exteriorly of the chamber for movingsaid lines relative to said platform between an operative positionwherein said ports are aligned with a filling opening in the containerand an inoperative position wherein said ports are spaced from thefilling opening, a closure supporting and applying member positionedwithin said chamber, and means operable from exteriorly of the chamberfor moving said member relative to said platform between an operativeposition aligned with a container filling opening whereby a closure maybe applied to the opening and a spaced position so as to permit movementof said lines into their said operative position.

18. Apparatus of the character described comprising a base, an enclosureextending upwardly from said base and defining a chamber for receivingcontainers with a filling opening therein, a conveyor extending alongsaid base and into said chamber, means providing access to said chamberwhereby a container may be inserted into or removed from the same, meansextending across said conveyor and providing a seal between saidenclosure and said base for the entire extent of said enclosureincluding said access means, and means supported on said base alongspaced portions of said chamber movable to engage and fix the positionof a container within said chamber.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18 in which said seal means includesa groove extending along the juncture of said enclosure and base, and asteam line in communication with said groove.

20. Apparatus of the character described comprising a base, a domehaving a top and side walls overlying said base, means selectivelyraising and lowering said dome whereby in a lowered position the domewill contact the base and define therewith a chamber, a conveyorextending along said base towards and into said chamber and providing aspace at the juncture of said dome and base, a platform extendingupwardly of said conveyor and positioned substantially centrally of saidchamber and adapted to support a container having a filling opening withminimum contact therewith, opposed means operatively mounted on saidbase movable from and towards each other for clamping a containeragainst relative movement on said platform, a product feed line enteringsaid chamber and having a discharge spout, means operable for movingsaid spout relative to said platform for selectively aligning the samewith a container filling opening and spacing it therefrom, a steam lineentering said chamber, and a vacuum source operatively connected to saidchamber.

21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 in which said product feed lineenters said chamber through the bottom wall thereof, and said steam lineis connected to said feed line for movement therewith from and towardsthe container filling opening.

22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20 including a closure supportingmember operatively mounted on said base and positioned within saidchamber, and means operable for moving said member relative to saidplatform for selectively aligning the member with a container fillingopening and spacing it therefrom whereby said filling spout and membermay alternately be placed into operative position.

23. Apparatus of the character described comprising means defining asubstantially sealed chamber, means providing access to said chamberwhereby a container having an upper filling opening may be introduced inand removed from the chamber, a container supporting member within saidchamber, a vacuum source operatively connected to said chamber, aproduct feed line entering said chamber and having a downwardly directeddischarge spout, means selectively raising and lowering said spout abouta generally horizontal axis to selectively insert the same into acontainer filling opening and space the same therefrom, a closuresupporting and applying member mounted in said chamber, meansselectively swinging said last named member about a generally verticalaxis to selectively align the same with a container filling opening andspace the same therefrom, means selectively raising and lowering saidlast named member, and a steam line entering said chamber.

24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23 in which said steam line isprovided with a downwardly directed discharge nozzle operativelyconnected in substantial immediate parallel relation to said productline spout for swinging movement therewith.

25. A method of bulk aseptic packaging in impervious metal drums and thelike which comprises placing within a chamber a drum having a fillingopening therein, sealing said chamber, injecting steam into said drumopening until a greater than atmospheric pressure is created and allinterior surfaces of the drum are brought to a predetermined sterilizingtemperature in excess of 212 F.,

thereafter reducing the pressure in said chamber until a vacuum iscreated in said chamber so as to provide quick cooling of the drum,introducing a relatively cool sterile product through said drum openingwhile maintaining communication between the interior of the drum andsaid chamber, and then sealing said opening, all while said drum remainssealed in said chamber.

26. The process as set forth in claim 25 further characterized by thestep of maintaining the interior of said drum in substantiallycontinuous communication with a source of vacuum exteriorly of thecontainer during substantially the entire period that product is beingintroduced into the drum.

27. The process of bulk aseptic packaging in impervious metal drumshaving an opening therein and a closure for such opening which comprisesplacing said drum and said closure in a chamber, substantially sealingsaid chamber, introducing steam into said chamber until all surfaces ofsaid drum and closure are brought to a predetermined sterilizingtemperature, quickly cooling said chamber and the drum positionedtherein to a temperature substantially below said sterilizingtemperature while maintaining the drum and closure in a sterilecondition, introducing into said drum while it is maintained in saidcondition a sterile product at a temperature substantially less thanthat of the cooled drum, applying the closure to the opening while thedrum and product and the closure are in sterilized condition, and thenreleasing the sealing of said chamber for removal of the filled drum.

28. A method of sterilizing an impervious metal container having anopening therein which comprises placing the container in a chamber andthen sealing the latter, introducing saturated steam into said chamberand into said drum through said opening and removing air therefrom tocreate and maintain a dominantly saturated steam atmosphere at aboveatmospheric pressure within said container.

29. The method as set forth in claim 28 in which said container is thenquickly cooled while maintained under sterile conditions and incondition to receive a product.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,893,716 Ronzone Jan. 10, 1933 2,286,999 Smith June 16, 1942 2,639,991Ball May 26, 1953 2,667,424 Martin Jan. 26, 1954 2,761,603 FairchildSept. 4, 1956 2,903,367 Grindrod Sept. 8, 1959

